The comparative performance of the Canadian and Australian health systems

Healthc Manage Forum. 2018 Nov;31(6):239-244. doi: 10.1177/0840470418788378. Epub 2018 Sep 24.

Abstract

Using three data sets, each providing an overview of health service delivery in high-income countries, this article provides a high-level comparative analysis of health system performance against specified key performance indicators in two jurisdictions: Canada and Australia. Several variations, nuances, and points of comparison between delivery and organization of care are discussed. The article examines three policy and structural differences that may help explain the comparatively superior performance of the Australian system on most indicators, and two key areas of improvement for the Canadian system were illuminated: a stronger central government role and a national pharmaceutical plan. It is hoped that this article will empower health leaders to take action in these areas.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Delivery of Health Care* / organization & administration
  • Delivery of Health Care* / standards
  • Humans
  • National Health Programs / organization & administration
  • National Health Programs / standards
  • Quality Indicators, Health Care
  • Quality of Health Care* / standards